Sheikh Hasina's Situation: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following protests in Bangladesh.
Her future remains uncertain, as the Indian government has given her shelter but is also engaging with the new regime in Bangladesh.
Setback for India: Hasina's removal is a setback for India, as both countries significantly improved ties over the past decade and a half.
There is concern that progress in areas such as economy, border security, defense, trade, and connectivity could be undone.
Transformation Under Hasina:
Since returning to office in 2009, Hasina strengthened ties with India.
She cracked down on terror camps, fought religious radicalization, and extradited over 20 wanted criminals to India.
Her government ended border tensions, leading to agreements like the 2015 land boundary agreement.
Under this agreement, which was ratified on 6 June 2015, India received 51 Bangladeshi enclaves (covering 7,110 acres (2,880 ha)) in the Indian mainland
While Bangladesh received 111 Indian enclaves (covering 17,160 acres (6,940 ha)) in the Bangladeshi mainland.
India supported her government with trade concessions and Lines of Credit, aiding Bangladesh’s economic development.
Despite her growing authoritarianism, India continued to support Hasina.
Importance of Bangladesh:
Bangladesh is key to India’s regional connectivity plans to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Bangladesh is also a significant buyer of Indian energy.
Challenges in Ties with New Government:
India is engaging with the new interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, but Hasina's presence in India creates suspicion in Dhaka.
Future elections might bring the BNP to power, which could lead to a strained relationship with India, as was the case during Khaleda Zia’s tenure.
Modi’s appeal for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is seen as partisan, complicating Delhi-Dhaka relations.
Impact on Bangladesh’s Foreign Ties:
The U.S. had a tense relationship with Hasina’s government and might improve ties with the new regime.
Bangladesh’s ties with Pakistan could also improve, which were tense under Hasina.
Hasina had close ties with China; the new government is likely to maintain or strengthen this relationship.
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